Directed by
Shawn Levy
Discover the intricate plot of The Internship (2013). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
Billy McMahon, portrayed by Vince Vaughn, and Nick Campbell, played by Owen Wilson, find themselves on the hunt for new job opportunities after being laid off from their watch sales jobs due to their company’s closure. In a bid to change their fortunes, Billy applies for a Google internship for both of them, and miraculously, their unconventional interview responses lead to acceptance, despite their apparent lack of relevant experience. Quite notably, they are the only interns who do not fit the typical collegiate profile.
Throughout the summer, they must compete in a series of challenging tasks against a diverse array of younger interns, often referred to as “Nooglers.” Together with a ragtag team of fellow interns—who are initially perceived as misfits, including Stuart (Dylan O’Brien), who is almost perpetually glued to his phone; Yo-Yo Santos (Tobit Raphael Capati), an Asian-American boy raised by an extremely attentive mother; and Neha (Tiya Sircar), an Indian-American girl with eccentric hobbies—their team is led by Lyle (Josh Brener), who struggles to maintain a façade of coolness to mask his insecurities. Compounding their issues, they face relentless bullying from a rival intern, Graham Hawtrey (Max Minghella), while Mr. Chetty, portrayed by Aasif Mandvi, the head of the internship program, harbors skepticism about the abilities of the older interns.
During a task centered around debugging, their team catches a tough break when Stuart, Yo-Yo, and Neha deem Billy and Nick useless and send them on an errand that turns out to be a wild goose chase. Yet, during a spirited game of Muggle Quidditch against Graham’s crew, Billy fosters a rallying spirit that rekindles their confidence, even though they end up losing the game.
As they embark on a task to develop a new app, the group decides to indulge in a night out on the town. At a strip club, Neha confides in Billy her anxieties about her lack of real-life experience amidst her rich fantasy world; buoyed by his support, she resolves to persist. Meanwhile, Nick helps Yo-Yo break out of his shell through drinks and positive peer pressure. Encouraged by Billy, Lyle boldly approaches Marielena (Jessica Szohr), a dance instructor at Google whom he admires. Although she shows interest, chaos ensues as another patron competes for her attention, resulting in the team being ejected from the venue. Together, they find newfound inspiration overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge at dawn; Lyle’s drunken antics lead to the brainstorming of an app designed to deter reckless phone usage while intoxicated, ultimately winning them the next task.
Simultaneously, Nick’s attempts to woo an executive, Dana, portrayed by Rose Byrne, bear little fruit, prompting him to attend technical presentations to impress her. His genuine interest in the subject matter begins to blossom. As the interns prepare for a crucial technical support hotline task, doubt clouds Billy’s mind. Thankfully, a Google employee, known as “Headphones” (Josh Gad)—a quiet figure often seen in headphones—approaches Billy, revealing that his interpersonal skills are a unique asset and offering guidance in mastering the technical material.
Ultimately, as Nick secures a date with Dana, their budding relationship progresses. During the team challenge, Billy shines, yet his failure to correctly log his calls results in zero points for their group. Disheartened, he decides to leave Google for a sales opportunity elsewhere. The final challenge is a sales pitch to attract the largest possible client to Google; the unexpected news of Billy’s departure leaves his team reeling. However, Nick persuades him to return, leading the group in demonstrating to Sal, a local pizzeria owner (Bruno Amato), how Google’s resources can enhance his business potential while upholding his principles.
When the day of the final results arrives, the rules permit last-minute presentations, and Mr. Chetty identifies the limitless potential of the pizzeria despite its modest size, which now thrives by adopting technology. Graham’s objections are firmly dismissed by Headphones, who is unveiled as the head of Google Search. In a triumphant conclusion, Nick, Billy, Stuart, Yo-Yo, and Neha are celebrated as the winners, securing jobs at Google, with the latter three lined up to start after their college graduation. As the interns part ways, we see Nick and Dana continue their romance, Lyle successfully pairing off with Marielena, and Stuart and Neha exploring a romantic connection while Yo-Yo asserts his independence from his mother’s strong influence.
Track the key events of The Internship (2013) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Job Loss
Billy McMahon and Nick Campbell find themselves without jobs after being laid off from their positions in watch sales. The closure of their company leaves them searching for new opportunities to revive their careers.
Internship Application
In a bold move, Billy applies for an internship at Google for both himself and Nick. Despite lacking relevant experience and adhering to conventional norms, their unorthodox interview style impresses the selection panel, leading to their unexpected acceptance.
Joining the Interns
Billy and Nick begin their summer internship at Google, where they quickly understand the competitive nature of the environment. They find themselves amidst a diverse group of younger interns, known as 'Nooglers', who are all eager to prove themselves.
Team Formation
Billy and Nick are assigned to a team of fellow interns who initially seem like misfits. Their team includes Stuart, Yo-Yo, and Neha, each bringing their own quirks as they learn to work together and navigate the unique challenges of the internship.
First Task and Setback
During a task focused on debugging, Billy and Nick’s team face obstacles when their teammates send them on an errand that turns out to be unproductive. This humiliation reinforces their feelings of inadequacy among the younger interns.
Muggle Quidditch Game
To boost morale, Billy organizes a Muggle Quidditch game against a rival team led by Graham. Although they lose, the event helps to rekindle their spirit and strengthens the bond between the team members.
Night Out
In an effort to unwind, the team goes out for a night on the town, leading to eye-opening revelations. Neha expresses her insecurities to Billy, while Nick encourages Yo-Yo to break free from his overbearing upbringing, marking a pivotal moment of personal growth for the team.
App Brainstorming
Inspired by a night of fun, the team, buoyed by Lyle’s antics, brainstorms an innovative app to deter reckless phone usage while intoxicated. The quirky idea stands out, leading to success in their next task.
Nick's Romantic Pursuits
As Nick tries to woo a Google executive named Dana, he begins to take a genuine interest in the technical aspects of their work. This newfound enthusiasm showcases his growth and ability to connect his passion with his professional aspirations.
Doubts and Guidance
As the team prepares for a challenging technical support task, Billy grapples with self-doubt. A Google employee known as 'Headphones' provides him with encouragement, helping him recognize the value of his interpersonal skills.
Billy's Departure
After a disappointing performance during a team challenge which resulted in zero points for their group, Billy makes the difficult decision to leave Google. This news shocks his teammates and highlights the emotional stakes of their summer.
Final Team Challenge
The interns face their final challenge—a sales pitch to attract clients to Google. With a last-minute appeal from Nick, Billy decides to return to the team, resulting in a collaborative effort to impress a local pizzeria owner.
Celebration of Victory
As the day of reckoning arrives, the interns present their project, leading to an unexpected win. Their success not only secures jobs for Billy and Nick but also sets the stage for future opportunities for their teammates upon graduation.
Life After the Internship
With the internship concluded, new romantic relationships begin to blossom among the interns. Nick and Dana continue their relationship, while Lyle and Marielena find common ground, and Stuart and Neha explore their own connection.
Personal Growth
The interns leave with a greater sense of independence and newfound aspirations. Yo-Yo declares his independence from his mother’s influence, suggesting personal growth among all team members as they embark on their next chapters.
Meet the characters that bring The Internship (2013) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Billy McMahon (Vince Vaughn)
Billy McMahon is a determined and charismatic character, navigating the competitive and youthful atmosphere of a Google internship. He embodies the oddball spirit alongside his partner Nick, often showcasing his charm to rally their team. His journey reflects personal growth as he learns to adapt to new challenges and mentor his fellow interns.
Nick Campbell (Owen Wilson)
Nick Campbell is portrayed as a laid-back yet ambitious intern, who gradually finds his footing within the tech-driven environment of Google. His attempts to impress Dana show his romantic side, while his loyalty to Billy highlights his commitment to friendship. Nick demonstrates personal growth as he explores new interests and develops into a competent intern.
Mr. Chetty (Aasif Mandvi)
Mr. Chetty is the head of the internship program, skeptical of the older interns' capabilities. His character represents the challenges and biases faced by non-traditional interns in a competitive tech environment. Throughout the film, he becomes an essential figure in evaluating the interns’ progress and potential.
Dana (Rose Byrne)
Dana is a Google executive who captures Nick's interest, serving as a catalyst for his professional development. Her character adds depth to the romantic subplot while embodying the world of ambitious professionals navigating personal and career aspirations. Through her interactions with Nick, she challenges him to grow.
Uncover the settings of The Internship (2013), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
The movie takes place in contemporary times, reflecting the modern job market's challenges and the increasing importance of technology in everyday life. It captures the dynamics of a diverse group of interns navigating their career aspirations amid a rapidly evolving work landscape.
Location
Google, Golden Gate Bridge
Google serves as the bustling workplace where the main events of the internship unfold, showcasing the tech giant's innovative environment and competitive internship culture. The Golden Gate Bridge is a landmark that symbolizes hope and inspiration, providing a stunning backdrop for the characters' moments of introspection and creativity.
Explore the core themes of The Internship (2013). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Technology
Technology is a central theme, embodying the setting of the Google internship and the challenges faced by the characters. The film highlights the impact of technological advancement on job opportunities and interpersonal dynamics. It emphasizes the importance of adaptability in a tech-driven world.
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Friendship
Friendship plays a vital role as the characters bond over shared experiences and pressures during their internship. Through teamwork and mutual support, they learn to value their differences and work collaboratively to overcome challenges. The film showcases the significance of camaraderie in achieving common goals.
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Self-Discovery
The theme of self-discovery is evident as characters like Neha and Nick evolve throughout their experiences. They confront personal insecurities and learn to embrace their identities, ultimately finding confidence in their skills. The journey of self-discovery shapes their futures both professionally and personally.
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